Thread: Strop Surface....

I just received a new strop. This is my first strop and I'm unsure how how the surface should look. I know this came from and animal, and the surface might not be completely flat. But the leather side of the strop has what appears to be vein impressions. Is this normal?

Leather is a natural substance and it is not uncommon for fat lines, wrinkle lines etc, to show up. So long as it does not impede your honing you should be fine. Rub your palm over the surface until your palm feels warm daily before use and it should break in fine. Deep wrinkles might be problematic, but so long as the entire edge of your blade comes in contact with the strop, it is doing what it is supposed to. In smaller than 3 inch strops you will be using an X stroke most likely and you are sure to have the blade in contact with the leather when stropping in my opinion.

Strops are made for using, not for lookin' at in my opinion as well. (Quote from Chief Dan George.....)

Have fun.

Thanks for the advice. I'm still riding the learning curve.